He said: “Liverpool is an ambitious city and I believe we have an enormous amount to offer when it comes to hosting an event of this scale which would be an incredibly important catalyst for regeneration, investment and raising the profile of sport.

“The Games will reflect our growing confidence and expertise in organising large events which create memories for a lifetime and bring the world together, with opportunities for people and places across the city region.”

The Commonwealth Games were last held in Glasgow in 2014 and the next games, in 2018, will be at the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, while the next games are due to be held in the South African city of Durban in 2022.

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Heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson, who is taking part in the Rio Olympics, said: “The city is synonymous with sport, the people are so welcoming and there’s nowhere better for the Commonwealth Games to take place in.

“I’m delighted to act as an ambassador for the bid.”

“I think this is great for the city and something for the next generation of athletes in Liverpool and the entire country to look forward to.”

The first steps of the potential bidding process will see a Project Director appointed to oversee the entire bid and an independent consultancy firm recruited to carry out a full feasibility study.

This will include an assessment of the city’s infrastructure against the technical requirements set out by the Commonwealth Games Federation, as well as a financial appraisal looking at all the key factors required to deliver the high-profile event.

Leader of Manchester City Council, Sir Richard Leese, who was in the role when the city hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2002, is also supporting Liverpool’s bid.

Sir Richard said: “Manchester and Liverpool might have a long tradition of sporting rivalry but Liverpool’s bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games has Manchester’s wholehearted support.